Lovie Smith to sit out 2013 season

Former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith will not coach during the 2013 season. Smith was fired December 31st by the Bears.

Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune confirmed several reports that the former Chicago Bears head coach would sit out the 2013 season. He interviewed for the head-coaching openings in Buffalo, Philadelphia and San Diego without landing one of those jobs. All those coaching vacancies have been filled, primarily by offensive-minded head coaches.

The Bears still owe Smith $5 million after firing him with one year left on his contract.

Smith's initial plans are to spend the year mentoring his son, Mikal, on defensive concepts. Mikal Smith was the Bears' nickel backs coach this past season.